Popular questions

The traction control (TC) service light signifies that diagnostic trouble codes have been set. Those trouble codes should be downloaded and evaluated in a TC diagnostic. Although the TC trouble codes would be immediately downloaded in a diagnostic, the mechanic's...

A bad mass airflow (MAF) sensor can cause loss of power, no starts, and lean or rich conditions. If cleaning the sensor did not get rid of the P0102 trouble code, then replace the MAF sensor and clear the...

Was a compression test done on the engine before it was started for the first time? Depending on where the knocking is coming from, there may be a deeper internal engine failure either from the overheating or it was not...

Oil leaks generally will become worse over time. Locations where leaks commonly develop are at the valve cover, oil pan or camshaft and crankshaft seals. The source of the oil leak will need to be located, and then the leak...

Hello, and thank you for writing in. Your head is in the right place about inspecting the vehicle and doing some research on it. While we can not advise you to buy the car or not, you should do some...

Hi there. It sounds like you may have an idle air control valve failing. Can you hold the accelerator pedal to keep the engine running? If so, this is the most likely cause of what you're experiencing. If, however, the...

The oxygen sensor heater is integral to the sensor assembly itself. It is not separately serviceable. If the heater tests bad, the entire sensor is replaced as an assembly. In your case, P1193 refers to an oxygen sensor which is...

If your car doesn't have enough coolant it will overheat. When it cools back down, top it off with water and have a certified mechanic perform a coolant pressure test to see where the leak is coming from. Common failures...

Hi there. First you should get a code reader and check the engine codes to see what the airbag light is on for. This will point you in the right direction for a diagnostic procedure. Most of the time the...

Well the first thing I would check is to see if the alternator is working. I would suspect it would be in the distributor. Ignition module, tdc sensor. A few voltage tests can tell you for sure. I would recommend...

Hello. There may be a problem in your drivetrain causing such a hard stop. If your brakes were serviced recently, check to see if a fastener may have come loose and is causing the caliper to press against the wheel...

Hello, thank you for writing in. If the overheating is only happening when you are at a stop, then you want to focus on the water pump and the cooling fans first. While the thermostat can cause overheating when it...

If the device has a broken port, it must be replaced. It is very hard to mock up a connection that will seal as perfectly as it used to. I believe the vent valve is attached to the charcoal canister...

It could be that one or more motor mounts is getting tired. The Motor mounts are rubber to metal brackets, some of them have fluid capsules and they keep the engine in place while isolating the car from the normal...

Generally suspension components will not get stiffer unless there is something in the suspension system that is seized or damaged. A full inspection of the suspension system should be carried out. Loose steering on the other hand generally happens when...

Coolant leaks are serious problems because the entire cooling system pressurizes as it gets hot. There are many possible sources: radiator, water pump failure, heater hoses, freeze or expansion plugs in the block. I would suggest hiring a top-rated mobile...

On some car alarm systems, if battery voltage drops below a threshold, the alarm goes off. In your circumstance, you should have the battery load tested to rule the battery in or out as a possible cause. The security system...

There could be quite a few things that can cause this. Reading out faults from the engine computer will be key to guiding the diagnosis in the right direction. Depending on when the stalling occurs -- at idle, part load,...

Hello, thank you for writing in. The check engine light, reduced power light, and general loss of power are very likely all connected to one or two simple issues. Luckily with the check engine light on, the computer has detected...

Well, you haven't given me much to go on, but I'm Going to guess that you are seeing a Check Engine Light or some other warning light on your dashboard. When these lights come on it means the cars computers...

Hello, thank you for writing in. The belts are drive belts designed to use engine power to utilize other accessories or parts. With the information given it is impossible to tell you what kind of belts they are. The ones...

Hi there. Typically when a professional mechanic is trying to diagnose an engine misfire, the first thing they'll do is download any OBD-II error codes to pinpoint the source of the ignition issue. Without knowing those codes, telling you what...

You should mainly do the oil and filter change. The rest of the maintenance is as needed when inspections are done. Some examples of other components that need to be maintained include: air filters, wiper blades, lights, fuel filter, brakes,...

Did you clean the carbon out of the rest the throttle body? I know these engines well. I suggest taking the throttle body off, removing the IAC (idle air control valve), TPS (throttle position sensor), and all other sensors. Soak...